Compliance Code Definitions
Compliance code 2.0 broadly describes the behavior analysts’ responsibility to clients. That is, this section outlines the responsibility that behaviour analysts have to only operate and serve the best interests of their clients, regardless of who their client is.
Compliance code 2.06 relates to the responsibility of the behavior analyst to maintain confidentiality. Specifically, behavior analysts need to take any reasonable precautions to uphold client confidentiality, make sure the client is aware of the confidentiality policies, ensure written or oral reports not include any confidential information, and to not put themselves in situations where they might violate confidentiality laws.
Compliance code 4.0 outlines the responsibilities of behavior analysts and the behavior-change program. That is, that behavior analysts are responsible for all aspects of the behavior-change program from start to finish.
Compliance 4.01 defines conceptual consistency as part of the behavior-change program. Here, it states that it is important for behavior analysts to design these programs to be conceptually consistent with pertinent behavior-analytic principles and research.
Reporting Violations to the BACB
Procedure for Reporting Violations
It is important for any behavior analyst to investigate and/or report any violation committed by a BCaBA, BCBA, or BCBA-D applicant or certificant as soon as it becomes known to them. If the suspected violation is committed by someone who is an applicant, the complaint should then be reported to the RBT Supervisor.
However, prior to reporting, it is important to figure out whether the context of the situation would be better served by simply addressing the issue directly with the individual. If this is unfeasible, or if the issue persists, then the complaint should be made to the BACB. At this point, one needs to ascertain whether the BACB holds jurisdiction, if a specific ethics requirement was violated, if there is any documentation to support the allegations, and if it occurred in the last six months. If all these criteria are met, then the report can be filed.
There are some exceptions, however. If the alleged violation pertains to billing fraud or any type of physical or emotional abuse, then the complaint to the BACB should be immediately filed even if it falls outside the six-month period.
Self-Reporting
There are three primary instances where a behavior analyst would be required to self-report to the BACB. The first situation occurs when a behavior analyst finds themselves subjected to ethics violations or any disciplinary investigation by a governmental organization, health care organization, or educational institution. Second is when you have received any public health and safety fines. Finally, the third is when you have been diagnosed with any physical or mental condition that would likely impair your ability to competently continue in your practice as a behavior analyst. However, changing one’s name, address, or email can be updated manually through the BACB account.
When one of these situations arise, the behavior analyst should accurately and honestly complete the Ethics Self-Reporting form located at the BACB website. The behavior analyst should ensure that all relevant information is provided, including the type of self-report as well as the rationale for providing the self-report. Any pertinent documentations or other attachments can also be uploaded in this manner.
